Toxic heavy smog in eastern Pakistan makes tens of thousands sick

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — Toxic gray smog has sickened tens of thousands of people in Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore, forcing authorities to shut schools, markets and parks for four days. The city of 11 million people had repeatedly ranked as the world’s most polluted city. Doctors advised people to wear face masks and stay at home. Residents said many people were coughing and having breathing problems. On Thursday, the concentration of tiny particulate matter in the air was at hazardous levels. Experts say the burning of crop residue at the start of the winter wheat-planting season is a key cause of the pollution.